After going 6 for 6 in the last two games, Jeff Gertz went 0for 3 tonight. With two hits tonight Todd McClure now has 257career hits, good for fourth-place on the Fighting Illini’sall-time list. McClure passed his brother Brian who had 256 careerhits and now plays in the San Diego Padres organization. McClurealso stands second on the Illini’s career list in doubles (52) andfourth in total bases (393). Illinois ends the season with a 34-22record and places third in the Big Ten tournament.

Quotes – Illinois

Coach Itch Jones “I don’t think any scenario in this tournament will allow us to get into the NCAA. We have some key players out and the NCAA knows that.”

Kevin Rudden “Kelly Werner is good. He was tough tonight. He threw a lot of strikes. He came up big when he needed to.”

Bob Burlage “The first five innings I pitched very well. In the fifth my change-up wasn’t working and I couldn’t find it again.”

Notes – Minnesota

Robb Quinlan recorded his 98th hit of the season to break hisown single-season record set in 1998. Minnesota advances to thechampionship game against Michigan tomorrow at noon. For the firsttime this season Minnesota pitchers have had back-to-back completegames. This will be the 11th time in 16 appearances that Minnesotahas advanced to the championship game.

Quotes – Minnesota

Coach John Anderson “This game helped Kelly Werner’s confidence. He has not been consistent. Tonight’s game went a long way on boasting his confidence for his career.”

“I have not had to do a lot of convincing and tell this team they are good. They have great leadership and they have come out well in the past two games after the loss against Illinois on Thursday.”